The battle for prominent positions in the wide receiver room is among the most fascinating storylines of the summer. Several have a chance to earn a spot, and until another productive veteran is acquired, everyone is getting an opportunity to impress.
Some are excelling more than others. And for one former Commanders star, there is something different about Dyami Brown this time around.
Brown returned for a second stint in Washington over free agency. He spent one season away from the team, cashing in on his playoff production by signing a lucrative one-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars. It didn't go well, and now he's back. More importantly, lessons have been learned.
Dyami Brown has left a positive impression on Commanders legend Santana Moss
The Commanders didn't give Brown anything more than a one-year, $1.75 million contract with a $250,000 signing bonus and $250,000 in guaranteed money. This enables them to move off the player if the desired growth doesn't arrive. However, ex-wide receiver Santana Moss is among those who believe he could make a bigger impact than fans think.
Moss was highly complimentary about Brown's performance during organized team activities. He believes the wideout is ready to resume his connection with Jayden Daniels, and he also thought the quarterback was visibly excited to have him back in the fold.
"He's back, and he's ready. We saw what he did two years ago when he was here with JD (Jayden Daniels). I know JD's loving him back, too."
It's easy to get carried away. One of the reasons why Brown fizzled out in Washington was his inability to turn summer optimism into legitimate regular-season production during his first four years with the franchise. The same trend also continued in Jacksonville, so he must avoid it this time around.
Having substance attached is much more important for Brown.
Everyone knows the athletic intangibles he has. Everyone knows that his physicality and ability after the catch should be much more influential than they have been for the most part. This is why the Jaguars paid him, and it's also why the Commanders were willing to give him one last shot at redemption.
Brown has found his groove quickly. The likes of third-round rookie Antonio Williams and Luke McCaffrey have also got people's attention. McLaurin is leading from the front, and tight end Chig Okonkwo is also displaying the qualities that suggest he could become a focal point in offensive coordinator David Blough's schematic concepts.
Speculation around Brandon Aiyuk or Stefon Diggs remains, but things like that are out of Brown's control. He's in the last-chance saloon, and based on the early urgency being displayed, he knows it.
Let's hope this trend continues over the summer and into the real action.
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